**********************************************************
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (November 5) called on the public to be vigilant against typhus and other rickettsial diseases.
The appeal was made following an increase in the number of cases of spotted fever and scrub typhus this year as compared with the figures of the past two years, a CHP spokesman said.
"The CHP has recorded 18 cases of spotted fever so far this year, as compared with 12 cases reported in 2005, eight in 2006 and 13 in 2007."
"A total of 20 scrub typhus cases have been reported to CHP so far this year while the figures for 2005, 2006 and 2007 were 30, 20 and 15 respectively," the spokesman said.
Spotted fever is transmitted by ticks, a vector which is usually found in scrubby areas or on rodents and stray animals that have been to scrubby areas. Scrub typhus is transmitted by trombiculid mites which is another vector found in vegetated areas or on rodents.
"Most patients had history of outdoor activities in vegetated areas, for example, hiking in rural areas," he said.
The clinical presentation of spotted fever and scrub typhus are similar and patients may develop fever, chills, headache, muscle pains and body rash.
Both diseases are characterised by a primary punched out skin ulcer corresponding to the bite site of the arthropod. Lymph nodes near the skin ulcer may be swollen and painful. In extreme cases, the diseases may cause severe complications and can be fatal.
The average incubation period of the two diseases is one to two weeks. People who suspect they have spotted fever or scrub typhus should consult doctors. Antibiotics are effective treatment.
Typhus and other rickettsial diseases are statutory notifiable diseases in Hong Kong.
To prevent infection of typhus and other rickettsial diseases, people are advised to:
* Avoid sitting or lying on scrubby areas;
* Apply insect repellent on body as well as clothing and wear light coloured long sleeved clothes and long trousers when going to scrubby areas;
* Avoid hanging clothes on scrubs or trees and brushing the long grass beside the paths;
* Regularly disinfest animals that have been to scrubby areas.
Information on spotted fever and typhus fever can be obtained at CHP website (www.chp.gov.hk).
Ends/Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Issued at HKT 18:31
NNNN